70 percent savings thanks to new platform
Pony.ai launches affordable Gen-7 robotaxis
Pony.ai has commenced the commercial operation of its Gen-7 robotaxis, reportedly reducing the costs of the autonomous driving system by 70% compared to the previous generation.
Pony.ai
Pony.ai has commenced operations of its Gen-7 robotaxis in China. According to the company, the autonomous driving kit of this generation is 70 percent cheaper than before - a step intended to advance the scaling of driverless mobility.
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The official start of commercial operations for the Gen-7 robotaxis took place on 5 November 2025 in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Two types of vehicles are being used: ARCFOX T5 from BAIC and the second model of the Aion V series from GAC.
The vehicles are equipped with a new hardware platform consisting of automotive-certified components. According to Pony.ai, developed for a lifespan of up to 600,000 kilometres, these components enable highly automated operation while optimising costs.
How was the 70 per cent cost reduction achieved?
According to the official announcement from Pony.ai on LinkedIn, compared to the previous vehicle generation, the unit cost for the autonomous driving system (Bill of Materials, BOM) was reduced by 70 per cent. This figure refers to the Gen-7 version of the in-house driving kit. The announcement cites reasons for the savings, including a revised system architecture and advances in the integration and selection of installed sensors. It was also emphasised that these measures aim for a significant increase in efficiency regarding future mass production and large-scale deployments.
A detailed technical breakdown of the savings is not available; the statement refers to internal optimisations that, according to the company, have contributed to cost reduction.
What technical features distinguish the Gen-7 system?
The seventh robotaxi generation from Pony.ai is equipped with a highly integrated sensor suite, which according to the company, enables a detection range of up to 650 metres. The sensor package includes a total of 34 components, including:
- 9 LiDAR sensors (for three-dimensional environmental analysis),
- 14 cameras (for visual recognition of lane markings, traffic signs, etc.),
- 4 millimetre wave radars (for robust object detection in poor visibility).
These sensors work redundantly and complement each other in terms of range, resolution, and weather suitability. The specified maximum distance of 650 metres refers to detection performance in ideal conditions - that is, under favourable conditions such as clear visibility and optimal lighting. The large detection distance is particularly relevant in terms of higher driving speeds, motorway scenarios, or complex traffic situations in urban environments. In conjunction with software-based environmental modelling, it is intended to enable early reactions and safe route decisions, even in rain, fog, or darkness.
An integrated self-cleaning system ensures that cameras and sensors remain functional even in adverse weather conditions.
Which cities are part of the launch?
Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen form the initial regions for the commercial operation of the Gen-7 vehicles. A full approval for driverless commercial use is in place in all three cities - a significant advancement compared to previous pilot zones or limited test regions.
Pony.ai is among the emerging competitors in the ever-growing robotaxi market, currently operating over 720 robotaxis and planning to reach a fleet of 1,000 vehicles by the end of 2025. This threshold is considered internally as a prerequisite for operational break-even.
This article was first published
at automotiveit.eu
